The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Vitrimers, characterized by their covalent adaptable network (CAN) structures, are a class of polymer networks that combine mechanical robustness of thermosets with reprocessability of thermoplastics. Unlike conventional thermosets, vitrimers retain their network structure while allowing reversible bond rearrangement under external stimuli, enabling recyclability, self-healing, and stress relaxation. In this study, CAN was prepared without the use of external crosslinkers by thermally activating linear polymers, synthesized by thiol-epoxy ‘click’ reaction. Dynamic bond exchange was induced through transesterification, enabling the formation of adaptable network structures upon heating. Rheological analyses confirmed dynamic behavior and showed excellent reprocessability, retaining their mechanical and rheological properties after recycling. The mechanical properties of networks were tunable through monomer selection, enabling control over rigidity and flexibility.